In a major move for the troubled car industry, Qatar Holding, the direct investment arm of Qatar Investment Authority, will buy 17% Stake in Volkswagen and 10% Stake in Porsche - two major German automotive companies.

According to Qatar Holding's statement and news reports, as part of the deal Porsche will also establish research, development and testing facilities in Doha.

Key investment assets of Qatar Holding, one of the investment firms in the Middle East, include Barclays plc, Credit Suisse Group, J Sainsbury plc, London Stock Exchange and Lagardere SCA.